MORE OF THIS, LESS OF THAT 2026 — A Note on Style

I haven’t mapped out 2026 yet. I structure my year by seasons, and travel fills that framework first, setting the pace for everything else. Looking back at 2025 shows me what I want more of and what I’m leaving behind: the trips that worked, style that feels authentic, consistency in creative rhythm. These insights are shaping my decision on where I want to travel next, helping me refine the style that feels most like me, and providing inspiration on how I want A Note on Style to look going forward.

Here are the highlights shaping my thoughts for the year ahead.

TRAVEL:

Every destination has been an experience where I learn a little more about myself: what I liked and what I’ll want to avoid. A lot of these things haven’t changed since my “More of This, Less of That” post. If anything, they’ve been reinforced. Hotels matter (a lot!) along with keeping a loose schedule for exploring. For 2026, I’m adding avoiding Instagram recommendations to the Less of That list. Seeing how sharing specific locations can overwhelm a place has made me rethink how and what I’ll post. I enjoy taking pictures and will continue to share photos, but naming locations will be reserved for my paid Substack subscribers.

I want to write more travel posts. I have an abundance of information, photos and suggestions I’m eager to put together and share. My preferred format will follow the “A Weekend in Ojai” post (no paywall for month of January) where I talked about the destination but also added clothing and decor that reflect the vibe of the location. I’m also committed to honesty about what didn’t meet my standards. I’ve seen firsthand the overselling of places and the disappointment that follows. Truth in travel and building trust matter most.

Road trips: I’m always amazed how little effort it takes to be transported somewhere completely different from home. I appreciate a walkable small town with a main street or central square and a local restaurant and shopping scene. I also enjoy the downtime in the car to chat, listen to podcasts or books, and watch the world go by.

Travel somewhere new: In May, we spent almost a month in Portugal, a place I had never been. I love the excitement of the unknown and how a destination reveals itself over a prolonged visit. From Comporta to Lisbon, the Alentejo and Duoro Valley, it was fascinating to see how each region is singularly unique and the hospitality styles that matched. Up for consideration next: Ireland, Menorca, Egypt, or more of Italy to places I’ve yet to discover.

Repeating favorites: We went to the Dolomites back to back in 2024 and 2025. I’m drawn to that area in a way that’s hard to explain beyond being awestruck by the beauty. Between our two visits, which combined covered about two weeks, I’ve only seen a sliver of what the Alps has to offer. There are hotels I’d like to try purely for the experience of design, scenic trails to hike and bike, and several villages that look authentic and charming. I’ll go again at some point and would like to plan a trip around one of the rural festivals such as the Almabtrieb, the fall tradition where farmers gather their livestock from the mountain meadows and lead them back to the valleys for winter.

Seek out the smaller hotels: In September, I went with my instinct and chose to stay at Ottmanngut, a very small boutique hotel in Italy rather than others more well known. I’d seen a few write-ups (two to be exact) which left me intrigued. We stayed in a small room off the reception with heavily knotted wood floors and a small bathroom. The design was spare but beautiful with Tyrollean antique beds, an armoire acting as the closet, and a set of chairs. The deep-set windows framed with linen curtains looked out over the lush garden. The food, vibe, and overall experience deserves its own post (coming soon). Ottmanngut turned out to be one of my most memorable hotel stays.

WEARING:

The fashion conversation will continue to center on building a wardrobe that acts as an anchor of desirable staples to be styled according to mood or activity. As I’m sharing beloved items from the past, I’ll offer suggestions for current options to help build a sustainable, functioning, and beautiful wardrobe. With the essentials in place, I’ll suggest unexpected additions that elevate the wardrobe while staying true to my core style.

Fill in the blanks: Shop for items that fill a void in my closet. Right now, that’s a black trouser. Not particularly inspiring, which explains my lack of motivation. But there were several occasions when I wished I had a beautiful pant to style with more interesting pieces. A mid-heel pump is another gap. I’ve sold most of my older styles with heels too high or toes too pointed to be comfortable.

Time to update: I have a few specific wardrobes for travel: one for warm resort-type destinations, one for outdoorsy adventures, and another for cold weather places. It’s time to edit and update some tired pieces. I don’t want to wait to shop for replacements until I need to pack one of those “wardrobes” because inevitably I won’t find something I truly want. I’m filing this away in my mind, hoping it surfaces when I see something that speaks to me.

Double Up: If I love a piece and wear it often, I’ll buy it in other colors. It eliminates styling questions and keeps me in my comfort zone. The latest is a TWP shirt which I already own in ivory and navy. It’s a winner in my closet: dresses up or down, is comfortable and defines a look.

Same goes for Nili Lotan silk blouses (I have black, navy, dots, and stripes – ALL ON SALE) and several NL cropped jackets. A Dries Van Noten jacket is another I have in multiples. The three-quarter sleeve and nipped in shape give it the perfect dose of chic. I’m so glad they’ve continued to recreate it in new fabrications each season. I’m considering adding this woven jacquard to my collection. Also, love it in a pinstripe.

An Unexpected Piece: It’s very easy to get stuck in a classic style rut. I’m interested in adding singular pieces that complete a look. Picture two of my uniforms: an all black base layer or jeans and white shirt, then add a statement jacket (leopard, patterned, velvet), a fabulous belt (Ralph Lauren: a keeper for life), a colorful bag, or an outfit-defining shoe (these leopard pumps are on their way to me now).

DECOR:

New Projects: We took on an exterior project last summer rebuilding a patio cover and updating the landscape lighting. This year, I’d like to tackle some interior work, specifically my sons’ rooms. They both live in LA and their rooms feel stuck in a time warp dating back to high school. I’ve wanted to update them for a while but struggle with the idea of erasing childhood memories. I think I’m the only one in my group of friends who thinks this way. But it’s time for an update so I can enjoy rooms that reflect my design style seen throughout the rest of the house.

WELLNESS & SKINCARE:

Frustration and learning: I’ve focused more intentionally on exercise and diet since turning 60. I already ate well and worked out a couple of times a week, but sixty felt like a catalyst to be more deliberate. I increased protein intake (by a lot!) to gain muscle and added weight training three times a week. I’m sure you can imagine how incredibly disappointed I was when my recent DEXA scan showed more bone loss. I tried adding a weighted vest to my walks in response but never got comfortable with it, and gave it away after three months. I’m continuing with weight training and pilates while adjusting my approach in other areas: focusing on a protein intake that works for my body, adding a calcium supplement, and finessing my dosage of creatine and amino acids.

Skincare: I found a simple routine I talked about in “Catching Up” that works for me and I’m sticking with it:

1. Prequel Gleanser – cleanses while hydrating with Glycerin.
2. Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Insta Facial Plasma (AM) – Bioactive Growth Factor Serum. I love the way it makes my skin feel and glow (gifted but I’ll continue to use).
3. Coleman Compound arbutin cream (PM) – Miracle worker for lightening my stubborn dark spots. See the rave reviews on Mrs. Derm. Melissa Coleman’s “less is more, only use what works” philosophy helped me streamline my skincare regimen.
4. Tretinoin (prescription) (PM) – The single product that makes the biggest difference.
5. Dr. Diamond’s Metacine HYDRO/O moisturizer if I’m feeling dry (AM/PM) – It’s the only moisturizer I use. Gifted. A little goes a long way.
6. European Anthelios UV MUNE 400 sunscreen every day. I stock up whenever I travel, but it’s also available on Care to Beauty.

CREATIVE RHYTHM:

This need for structure extends to my posting rhythm. I’ve been more inconsistent lately and have spent time thinking about why. I’ve come to a few conclusions. First, there are too many voices coming from emails, Instagram, and Substack. The constant promotion and push toward newness dilutes what’s actually worth paying attention to, making it harder to form my own perspective. I’m doing a deep edit of who I follow, asking myself what I’m getting from their posts. The goal is to be more selective and make room for what truly inspires.